Here at PinchNickle (Pinnacle), our problems come from several different sides of the coin: First, let's agree that there's a BIG difference between the Schedulers and Dispatchers. That said, at THIS airline, I believe very few of the "dispatchers" actually have that license - most are "flight followers" who spit out releases and have one, maybe two actual licensed dispatchers acting as supervisors. I've heard more than once that our dispatchers churn out more releases per dispatcher than any other airline in the U.S., regional or major; how are they supposed to keep track of us or seriously consider weather, MEL requirements, etc when all they're doing is spitting our releases? I know we have a few exceptions to the rule, but I for one, think they do a pretty decent job given their work load and it's not that big of a deal to call them up and tell them, "Hey, that weather probably isn't going to work - how about this route?" or "Hey, our outflow valve has been deferred and wired open so we're unpressurized, care to change our altitude to 9,000' to go DTW-ERI instead of 16,000'?" That's OUR job - catch things like that BEFORE they become a problem.
Our Schedulers on the other hand, often are here as their first job in the aviation arena and have no aviation education except what our corporate executives give them. If our corporate executives are setting the tone with these individuals that we are expendable assets to be used to the maximum permissable by FAR and/or contract regardless of any other concerns, is it any wonder then that those schedulers treat us the way they do?? The best schedulers we have are those with Commercial MEL certificates trying to get into the airplanes, but many of those who don't have such aspirations are d*mn near impossible to work with and generate 90% of our aggravation.
PaleRider: I understand your frustration, but regarding your original post, take it from a guy who's been on reserve for the last 4 years between two carriers: DO NOT start using reciprocity as a scheduling tactic. You will end up on the losing side of that deal EVERY TIME! They WILL remember your name. You WILL get abused as much as possible - every time a crap trip or assignment comes up and they can contractually and legally assign it to you - you WILL get it. Seen it happen too often and been on that side of the coin more than once...
Hey Shamrock... have you ever heard of the "Self Release Program"? Step 1: Be off probation. Step 2. Be certain you can't be used legally. Step 3. Leave.

(editorial credit to GB).
DoinTme: You forgot to mention crews stranded at the oustation because the company put us up at a Fleabag hotel and the F/O got bit by a Brown Recluse...
Rumorhasit: Maybe we don't see the big picture all of the time, but don't buy the Koolaid the company feeds you - the truth is probably somewhere in the middle... which you will probably have a unique perspective on...
after a few months on reserve!
Ailerongurl - with your moto at the bottom, are you the girl that keeps coming forward with your back to the cockpit door, cutting one loose, then going back to the passengers while that lovely odor works its way into the flight deck?

And the mechanics keep wondering why we have to service the O2 so often...
p.s. What the h*ll is an "outermarkeT"? :wink: